City of North Chicago City Council met Jan. 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. INVOCATION
IV. ROLL CALL
Upon roll call being taken, the following members were present:
Present: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels, January
Absent: Markham
4-1 Presentation/Resolution Honoring Douglas Paul Winston for 25+ Years of Dedicated Service
City Clerk Lori L. Collins read the Resolution Honoring Douglas Winston.
Alderman Markham entered the Council Chambers at 6:05 p.m.
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Resolution Honoring Douglas Paul Winston for 25+ Years of Dedicated Service.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
The Mayor expressed his appreciation to Lt. Douglas Winston for the 25+ years of dedicated service to the City of North Chicago and all that visit our community.
Fire Chief Dell Urban stated that Lt. Winston provided “above and beyond the call of duty,” and that he would be sorely missed.
Lt Douglas Winston explained the Fire Department was his public service family. He decided North Chicago is where he needed to be. His motto that he is dedicated to “of the troops and “for the troops.”
V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, December 16, 2019
5-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, December 16, 2019
5-3 Departmental Department Report – December 2019
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Omnibus Vote
Agenda, Items 5-1 thru 5-3 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Betty Harris – Youth of North Chicago
Ms. Harris wished everyone a “Happy New Year.” The children were the focus; she invited the Mayor to attend 2010 beyond youth employment program; the City of North Chicago was great and job programs were needed for the youth at 40 hours weekly. She asked if the Mayor would meet to introduce her employment program.
The Mayor explained the city obtained a grant to allow 100 students in the work program.
Clyde McLemore – “Black Lives Matter”
Mr. McLemore extended the invitation, Thursday, January 09, 2020; 6:00-9:00 p.m., located at Foss Park District to discuss “Black Lives Matter, Reparations.”
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO, AS AMENDED, CONCERNING CANNABIS BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Zoning Ordinance Amendment for the City of North Chicago as amended, concerning Cannabis Business Establishments.
Alderman Markham clarified that the dispensary would be specifically located on Rte. 41 south of Rte. 137; Mayor Rockingham said yes. Alderman January further questioned the allowance and if there was designation of distance with gaming/liquor and cannabis. Attorney Simon explained that there were sensitive locations statutorily such as schools churches, library and parks; setback of 1,500 feet between dispensaries not specific with gaming or liquor. The proposed ordinance only allows for one in North Chicago.
Alderman Markham questioned why the ordinance does not state only one allowed. Attorney Simon explained in order to allow diverse dispensaries to apply it has to be open to accept applications but the specifics to the zoning is only available on Route 41. Mayor Rockingham clarified there is only 1 (one) license that would be issued.
Alderman Markham questioned what was approved October 2nd in reference to Cannabis; Mayor Rockingham explained that it was to approve the location and allowed only (1).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF B-W(2) LIQUOR LICENSE FOR MR. NATT AT 3396 BUCKLEY RD.
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve a B-W(2) Liquor License for Mr. Natt at 3396 Buckley Rd.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels, January Nays: None
Abstain: Markham
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 325,966.40
Library $ 12,716.66
Motor Fuel Tax $ 14,493.50
Water Operations $ 160,667.47
Dental and Vistion $ 4,067.56
Retiree's Insurance Premium $ 16,067.34
TIF II Downtown/Industrial $ 1,140.00
Skokie Highway TIF III $ 3,662.50
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 831.63
TOTAL $ 539,613.06
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 1/06/20 in the amount of $539,613.06 when funds become available.
Alderman Evans questioned pg.7; tree lighting expenses and why so many departments. Interim Comptroller Daniela Partipilo said it was for the tree lighting ceremony. He also questioned the quarterly payment to the Hampton’s Condominiums $7,500. Mrs. Partipilo stated that it was part of a 20-year agreement that automatically extended 5 years which began January 2020 once it expired. Alderman Evans stated that the Council should have been made aware.
Alderman Evans asked about pg. 8; Shield Township. Mr. Partipilo explained that it was North Chicago’s portion of fair share rides for seniors. He questioned pg. 19; American Test Center; Mrs. Partipilo said it was repairs of fire apparatus; the Fire Department hosts their own holiday party. Alderman Evans questioned the ice spreader on pg. 20 and if vehicles were/could be used by multiple departments. Ms. Partipilo stated that the decision would be between the two (2) departments. There seemed to be many accidents.
Alderman Evans questioned bill for holiday decorations; pg. 21. Public Works Director Ed Wilmes explained that the Gary Electric added the proper receptacles for the lights on Argonne Drive. Alderman Evans asked about pg. 22; Temple Display Ltd. Mr. Wilmes explained the replacement of bulbs that should last approximately 10 years.
Alderman Evans asked about pg. 25; Air Con. Mrs. Partipilo explained it was the furnace in the Police Department and Animal Control. He questioned pg. 29; Constellation New Energy. Mrs. Partipilo said general street lighting. Alderman Evans questioned why the Chief of Staff did not have a city cellphone; Alderman Allen added that “the more you buy the cheaper”? Mayor Rockingham said it was her choice not to have a cellphone.
Alderman Fisher suggested that if there were issues with bills it should be asked to Department Heads prior to Council Meeting. Alderman Evans stated that if there are questions all the aldermen should know at the same time.
Alderman January questioned if funds were available and when dispensed. Interim Comptroller, Daniela Partipilo acknowledged there were; the amount of $1,274,668.59 from the Enterprise Fund and next quarterly transfer of $650,000 in the month of January 2020.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
STREETS
Alderman Markham asked Public Works what streets were next to be repaired; Director Wilmes explained that the streets were being assessed based on necessity. Leverage of Water Fund to pave more streets along with water/sewer repair projects. Alderman Markham questioned the lamination of the street lights and if they could be brighter; Mr. Wilmes said the lamination will be standardized throughout the City. Alderman Markham requested increase in water rates. Mr. Wilmes explained there was no current contract for a rate study and anticipated bringing to Council in March.
TAX REVENUE (CANNABIS AND CASINO)
Alderman Markham questioned when there would be discussion of designating the tax revenue to the pension funds and capital projects generated from cannabis and the casino. Interim Comptroller explained there were no licenses given yet; Attorney Simon added that medical marijuana was exempt from taxes. Mayor Rockingham clarified that the City of North Chicago would get 15% of 5% of monies from the casino.
Alderman January asked if the fees were established for the dispensary considering our home rule status. Attorney Simon explained that the City could charge a fee the process, such as the zoning process but could not charge a licensing fee.
APPRECIA TION
Alderman Allen appreciated the Public Works Director for assisting with water leak and repairs made expeditiously on Argonne Drive. Director Wilmes said he would pass the message because the Public Works staff was the intricate part of its success.
Alderman Allen recognized the Mayor and Engineer for the great paving near Green Bay School.
GAS FUMES
Alderman Runnels concerned with gas fumes in the air along Route 41 and Buckley Road. Mayor Rockingham explained there was a high pressure gas line ruptured that North Shore Gas Co. was currently working on.
CENSUS / COUNCIL PACKETS
Alderman Mayfield announced the Census Bureau was paying approximately $29.50/hour for workers and interested parties could apply online or call (855)-JOBS-2020. Alderman Mayfield also requested Council packets be distributed Thursdays starting in February. She lastly wished Alderman Fisher a Happy Birthday.
ABSENCE
Mayor Rockingham announced that he would not be present for the January 21, 2020 Council Meeting. He prayed that North Chicago continue to move forward, thanked the Council and stated his appreciation toward working together.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Runnels, seconded by Alderman Markham that the meeting stand adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
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